Bermuda Sept 05 Issue 7.Qxp
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
The Bermuda Society September 2005 Newsletter - Issue 7 IN THIS ISSUE v Chairman's Comment v Obituary: Sir Edwin Leather, KCMG, KCVO, LLD v Overview from the Minister of Tourism & Transport v Benfield Bermuda Quarterly Report - 1Q 2005 v Society Events Ø Alan Thompson's Speech Ø Richard Fox's Speech v Admiral Sir George Somers' Commemorative Parade Chairman’s Comment a wealth and breadth of experience in public service, in uniform and in politics and broadcasting, when he was asked The Society continues to progress towards its goal of to become Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda becoming a meaningful vehicle to continue the relationship in 1973 after the murder of Sir Richard Sharples. He needed between Bermuda and the United Kingdom. The Society can and obtained, from the very outset, the support of his wife advance the goodwill that exists and facilitate the exchange Sheila. of views in a non-political arena. On arrival in Bermuda he made it clear that, whatever the We greatly value the support of our membership and security advice, he would go anywhere and everywhere to be encourage others to join and support us in this endeavor. a Governor for all Bermudians. He immediately increased We were privileged to have Alan Thompson, President and the Bermudian presence at Government House, notably CEO of Butterfield Bank as our guest speaker at the Lunch through his choice, for the first time, of a Bermudian as his following our Annual General Meeting in Guildhall on May aide-de-camp. He also appointed a Bermudian as his 12th. He gave a most informative and enjoyable talk about Honorary Chaplin. With his experience of the Bath Arts the value of Bermuda as an international jurisdiction and Festival and his friendship with Yehudi Menuhin, he was why he enjoys living and working in such a setting. instrumental in encouraging the formation of the Bermuda Our Premier spoke at the last Annual Dinner in November Festival (becoming its Patron in 1975) and the Menuhin 2004 and announced his intention to explore independence Foundation of Bermuda. Through golf too, leading as ever for Bermuda. Much has happened since then and we await from the front, Ted Leather was determined to bridge the the publication of the report from the Bermuda Independence racial divide, to work to resolve tensions, and to enrich the Commission which was submitted to Cabinet in July. island's vibrant cultural, artistic and sporting life. There has been a change in Tourism representation in As an individual his happy domestic life communicated London with the appointment of Thomas MacDonald to itself to others. Religion was important to him and in his represent Bermuda - we offer our congratulations to Mr. involvement in the community. Ted's easy-going informality MacDonald and thank him for agreeing to become a Member and straightforward, open approach enabled him to achieve of the Society's Management Committee. what his courage and commonsense told him needed to be done. When his term as Governor was over in 1977, he This year, the Society's 19th Annual Dinner will be held at underlined his faith in the island and the success he had the House of Lords on Wednesday, November 16th and we achieved in working for harmony, by staying on in Bermuda are delighted that Cheryl Ann Lister, Chairman of the for the rest of his long and active life. Naturally his funeral Bermuda Monetary Authority will be our guest speaker. was at St Paul's Church in Paget. A man of many parts, who I encourage as many of you as possible to attend and bring could have lived in many places in the world, was put to rest guests to this event, and I look forward to seeing you there. at home. Dr. James A. C. King, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, JP. J. Thorold Masefield, CMG Governor and Commander-in-Chief of Bermuda Sir Edwin Leather, 1997-2001 KCMG, KCVO, LLD Overview from the Minister of 1919 - 2005 Tourism & Transport The Bermuda Society learned with sorrow of the death of Sir With the "Beach and Sizzle" season now upon us and the Edwin Leather on 5 April 2005. With his outgoing, Island celebrating its Quincentennial, this tourism year has approachable personality he enjoyed a full life of many already proven a very successful one for Bermuda and the facets, serving and leading others with courage and future continues to look bright. dedication. Indeed, the first quarter of 2005 saw total arrivals to our Ted Leather was born in Canada in 1919 and educated there, Island up 11.6% over 2004, which is extremely encouraging. graduating from the Canadian Military Academy. He married his childhood sweetheart in 1940, and served from 1940-45 The ongoing reinvigoration of our tourism product is with the Canadian Army (Parachute Battalion), fighting tremendous news for everyone concerned and all around through Belgium, Holland and Germany from soon after D- Bermuda, you will see evidence of this continued upgrading Day. He stayed on in Britain after the war, working in the process. May saw the official opening of our most modern City and becoming prominent in British politics, especially and exciting property, the stylish 9 Beaches Resort, which as the Conservative Member of Parliament for North truly heralds a new dawn for Bermuda. This major addition Somerset. He was also a well known radio broadcaster and to our hotel scene is a landmark step for tourism. They are personality. He had a passionate interest in music and the very keen to attract the younger, more casual yet equally Arts, becoming Chairman of the Bath Festival 1960-65, and discerning traveller. It is this new breed of holidaymaker establishing a friendship with Yehudi Menuhin. who seeks out status and luxury in an understated way and to whom its 84 chic cabanas and flip-flop dining policy will Although he retired as a Member of Parliament in 1963 for certainly appeal. health reasons, he remained very active in the Conservative Party, serving on the National Executive Committee 1963-70 To give you an indication of 9 Beaches' contemporary style, and chairing the Party Conference in 1970. He was also a all guests receive a Bermuda mobile phone on arrival for use Lay Reader in the Church of England. He therefore brought during their stay and iPods are also available. The The Bermuda Society 2 architectural focus here is very much on light and relaxation, The festivities will then continue late into the month as Bermuda SLOOP Foundation with the interiors the creation of world-renowned designer connoisseurs of fine wine and decadent dining enjoy the The 'Bermudian' is a sail training vessel Lynn Wilson and its ocean-view verandas and plexi-glass company of world renowned gourmet chefs at the Bermuda based on civilian Bermudian-type floor panels allowing guests to make the most of its stunning Culinary Arts Festival from 21 - 23 October, while the schooners built 1810-1840 and is currently location. As well as catering to the young at heart, it is also World Rugby Classic will once again be attracting some of under construction at Rockport Marine, keen to attract families and boasts an impressive programme the world's top former international players - including Rockport, Maine. Her formal home port will be at Dockyard in front of the Clock of activities to ensure that they are entertained at all times, Jason Leonard and Kenny Logan - to the field from 6-13 Tower. Starting September 2006, BSF will which will serve to set it apart from many of its longer- November for what has come to prove one of the most offer world class extracurricular and school established neighbours. popular events in the global sporting calendar. programmes using ocean sail training to Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism and Transport continues Meanwhile, 21 and 22 October will also see the Bermuda develop character/team building and to excite formal learning, both academic and negotiating new gateway services from the US to ensure that Regiment celebrate 40 years of committed service to the technical. Email:[email protected] holidaymakers benefit from increasingly competitive fares Island as they welcome a host of internationally recognized Website: www.bermudasloop.org and that UK travellers can enjoy greater twin-centre performing units for the 2005 Bermuda Tattoo. Each of BERMUDA Nine Parishes opportunities. The American Airlines direct air service from their evening events are certain to deliver a stunning 'Beautifully photographed and insightfully Miami was launched as planned on 2nd March and we are combination of world class music, international dance and written with wit and humour by Bermudian, pleased to report that load factors on this flight over the first military precision for spectators. And with the Ann Spurling. With over 400 pages and few months have exceeded 85% - unprecedented performances set against the historical backdrop of the 569 colour plates of Bermuda, its homes, performance for a new service. April went on to see Keep Yard at the Royal Naval Dockyard, autumn is inhabitants and way of life.' The Bermudian Northwest Airlines - the worlds 4th largest airline - launch undoubtedly the ideal time to come back and visit. Email: [email protected] or [email protected] their weekly Detroit service, while in May Lufthansa The atmosphere on Island as well as the interest amongst Airlines introduced their first same-day flight from UK travellers remains buzzing, a reflection of all the Island Thyme Cookbook Frankfurt, connecting directly with its code-share partner's, partners and islanders working together for the success of 'This exemplary collection of recipes, US Airways, Philadelphia service.